Real Sociedad downs Celta de Vigo 2-1 to reach Copa del Rey semifinal

Sociedad on course for first Copa del Rey triumph since 1987

Los Txuri-Urdin reach last four thanks to goals from Brais Mendez and Robert Navarro

Real Sociedad booked their place in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey on Thursday evening with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Celta de Vigo at the Reale Arena.

Brais Mendez put the hosts ahead in the 22nd minute, but Celta Vigo leveled through Gabri Veiga just before the half-hour mark.

Robert Navarro then scored what proved to be the winning goal for Real Sociedad in the 54th minute.

The victory means that Real Sociedad are now just two wins away from lifting the Copa del Rey for the first time since 1987.

They will face either Barcelona or Real Madrid in the semifinals, with the draw for the last four set to take place on Friday.

Real Sociedad will be confident of causing an upset in the semifinals, having already beaten Barcelona in La Liga this season.

They will also be buoyed by the fact that they have a good record in the Copa del Rey, having reached the final in 2020.

Celta Vigo, meanwhile, will be disappointed to have come so close to reaching the semifinals.

They will now turn their attention to La Liga, where they are currently 17th in the table and just one point above the relegation zone.